A dog lover whose German shepherd was killed in a hit-and-run has appealed for the person responsible to come forward so he can learn of his pet’s final moments.

Six-year-old Cody ran off on April 27, leaving owners Malcolm and Gill Jones worried for the animal’s safety.

But the couple only discovered what had happened to their dog after a farmer found him in a hedgerow close to their home in Rockbeare Hill – two weeks after he went missing.

Malcolm, 69, has spoken out in the hope that whoever was responsible comes forward, and to try to ensure it doesn’t happen to another animal – or a child.

“It was a bit of a wake-up call that it happened and whoever it was didn’t stop. It could have easily been a kid,” said Malcolm. “I’ve had him since he was eight weeks old. I would be so grateful if someone could tell me his end.”

The retired police officer said he thought the impact probably knocked the dog into the hedgerow, but it was possible whoever hit him could have moved him there.

He added: “But he had a big tag on with our details, and he was tattooed in his ear, so I would have hoped that someone would let us know.”

He said his wife was out with their three German shepherds in a field behind their house when Cody ran off.

“We thought he’d just gone rabbiting in the hedgerows, which he’s done before,” added Malcolm. “He’s always come back fairly soon after, but obviously this time he didn’t.”

The grandfather, who has owned German Shepherds since he was six years old, put posters up and went door-to-door asking neighbours.

“We looked for him for a fortnight only to find him two fields away,” added Malcolm. “I just don’t want other people to find themselves in the same position.

“I understand that he was in the road and shouldn’t have been, so I do sympathise with whoever hit him, but it’s that he was just left there that gets me.

“It’s terrible to think of him left there, if he was injured.

“I’m not after blood – I just want to find out what happened to our dog.”

Anyone with information about Cody can contact Malcolm directly on 01404 823031.